Milly’s Memory

This is one of the only pictures I have of my granny and I. It was 1995—I was 2 years old & she was in her 60's. Mildred Ricks; RIH 1928-2015

Today marks 4 years since I said goodbye to my granny, the matriarch of my family. I‘ve been reflecting on her memory and our tragedy all week—her dementia, the events that led to those final days, preparing to graduate undergrad while grieving, the emotional gymnastics it took to eulogize her at the funeral. But, among these thoughts is one glaring realization: I wish I had more pictures with her. That way, when I start a family, and when I struggle to remember the details, I can pass down more than her memory. Because Mildred Ricks was always bigger than the things she forgot, and will always be more valuable than the things she left behind—that's why we loved her.

Ruling: #TakeThisL